Burlington commission votes against independent protest investigation

The city’s police commission has decided against an independent investigation into protests this summer. On July 29, protesters descended on a conference of Northeast governors and Canadian premieres. A group blocked the bus carrying the visiting officials, and police fired sting and pepper balls at the crowd.

At a meeting Thursday night, the five-member citizen panel said the information they already have surrounding the July 29 demonstrations is enough to look into the department’s policies.

But, the decision isn’t sitting well with protesters.

Community members made their case to the commission as to why an independent investigation is needed.

“As police officers, you need to be accountable for following the laws and protocols that you intend to enforce,” said Marni Salerno, a protester who was shot with a pepper ball.

One woman argued once police came out in riot gear, there was no other alternative for deescalating the situation.

“At that point, the police could not use other methods of resolving issues than shields and guns,” said Barbara Prine.

Others who were part of the demonstration said it’s unfair for the department to have conducted its own investigation.

“I would ask you to consider not just the voices that are here tonight, but the hundreds of voices that have spoken out asking for justice, asking that our civil liberties not be deliberated by the same police department, which shot us, but by an independent that can fairly look at it,” said Jonathan Leavitt, a protester who was hit with pepper balls.

There were also a handful of speakers who thanked the department for its work, adding one incident shouldn't tarnish its reputation.

The commission agreed the 83-page document was never meant to be a full-fledged investigation, but rather an internal action report.

The members also agreed their role is to expand on police policy and make a recommendation to City Council. That recommendation is that the investigation isn’t necessary. Commissioners said they believed no new information would come out of a new report.

But, the commission said there needs to be an examination of the department’s current policies when it comes to protests. They will then recommend if any changes are in order.

A petition is circulating online calling for the city to lead an independent investigation.

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